Key takeaways:
The three types of over-the-counter Pataday eye drops for allergies are Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.1%), Pataday Once Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.2%), and Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength (olopatadine 0.7%).
These products were formerly sold as the prescription products Patanol, Pataday, and Pazeo.
Pataday Once Daily Extra Strength lasts the longest (up to 24 hours). Patanol Twice Daily Relief is the only version that’s also FDA approved to reduce eye redness.
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If you deal with itchy, watery eyes from allergies, over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops can help relieve your symptoms. Pataday (olopatadine) is a popular brand, but with three different versions on the shelf — Pataday Twice Daily Relief, Pataday Once Daily Relief, and Pataday Extra Strength Once Daily Relief — it’s hard to know which one is right for you.
Below, we’ll explain the key differences between the three Pataday eye drops for allergies. Whether you have occasional seasonal irritation or daily eye allergy flare-ups, we’ll help you find the version that best fits your needs.
What are the 3 types of Pataday eye drops for allergies?
Originally, there were three different prescription eye drops containing olopatadine. Over time, each form was FDA approved and rebranded as an OTC product under the Pataday name. The three OTC Pataday eye drops are:
Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.1%), formerly prescription Patanol
Pataday Once Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.2%), formerly prescription Pataday
Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength (olopatadine 0.7%), formerly prescription Pazeo
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It may seem confusing at first to have three products under the same brand name. But the full name of each product makes it easier to understand the differences between each of them — which wouldn’t be as clear if the original brand names were kept in place.
How do the 3 types of Pataday eye drops for allergies compare?
The main differences between the three types of Pataday eye drops for allergies is how often you use them, how long they last, and what symptoms they treat, as shown in the chart below.
Product | Dosing frequency | How long each doses lasts | Symptoms treated |
|---|---|---|---|
Pataday Twice Daily Relief | Twice daily (6-8 hours apart) | Up to 8 hours | Itchy eyes Redness |
Pataday Once Daily Relief | Once daily | Up to 16 hours | Itchy eyes |
Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength | Once daily | Up to 24 hours | Itchy eyes |
As noted, Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength lasts the longest — up to a full 24 hours. So it may be the best option for eye allergy symptoms that are bothersome both during the day and at night.
On the other hand, Pataday Twice Daily Relief is the only Pataday eye drop for allergies that’s approved to reduce redness. Studies show that once-daily forms of Pataday may also help reduce redness, but that indication isn’t included in the official package labeling.
It may seem like the best choice to reach for the strongest, longest-lasting version of Pataday. But, in general, it’s best to choose the lowest effective dose for your symptoms. This helps reduce the risk of side effects. So starting with Pataday Once or Twice Daily Relief is a good idea. It also gives you the option to move to Pataday Once Daily Extra Strength if your symptoms worsen.
What’s the best way to use Pataday eye drops for allergies?
To use any Pataday eye drop, follow these steps:
Wash your hands with soap and water.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them.
Pull your bottom eyelid down gently with one finger to form a “cup” and tilt your head back slightly.
Using your other hand, hold the bottle as close to your eye as possible without touching. Avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your hand or eye, as this could introduce bacteria or other germs into the eye drops.
Look up, and gently squeeze one drop into the pocket of the lower eyelid. A mirror can be helpful when doing this.
Close your eyes and place a finger on the inner corner of your eye for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid rubbing or squeezing your eye.
Repeat the above steps on your other eye.
Wipe any excess liquid off your face with a tissue, then wash your hands.
Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other products in your eyes. And wait 10 minutes before replacing contact lenses.
If you’re using Pataday Twice Daily Relief, repeat this process about 6 to 8 hours after your first dose. For once-daily forms of Pataday, wait 24 hours between doses.
Pataday eye drop side effects
Like all medications, Pataday eye drops can cause side effects, such as:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Burning or stinging eyes after application
Headache
A feeling that something is in your eye
Blurry vision
Red or bloodshot eyes
Dry eye
Taste changes
Overall, Pataday eye drops for allergies are generally tolerated well, and side effects aren’t common. If at any point you develop eye pain, swelling, or vision changes that don’t go away while using a Pataday product, seek medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, brand-name prescription Pazeo eye drops are no longer available. But the same medication is now available OTC as Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength.
Prescription Pazeo (now switched to OTC Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength) contains olopatadine 0.7% and lasts up to 24 hours. Prescription Pataday (now switched to OTC Pataday Once Daily Relief) contains olopatadine 0.2% and lasts up to 16 hours. Both products only require once-daily dosing.
Yes, brand-name prescription Pazeo eye drops are no longer available. But the same medication is now available OTC as Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength.
Prescription Pazeo (now switched to OTC Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength) contains olopatadine 0.7% and lasts up to 24 hours. Prescription Pataday (now switched to OTC Pataday Once Daily Relief) contains olopatadine 0.2% and lasts up to 16 hours. Both products only require once-daily dosing.
The bottom line
There are three different over-the-counter Pataday eye drops for allergies. Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.1%, formerly prescription Patanol), Pataday Once Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.2%, formerly prescription Pataday), and Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength (olopatadine 0.7%, formerly prescription Pazeo).
Pataday Once Daily Extra Strength lasts up to 24 hours, making it ideal for relief throughout the day and night. Patanol Twice Daily Relief is the only version that’s also FDA approved to reduce eye redness.
While it may be tempting to go straight for the strongest option, starting with a lower-dose version is often best to minimize the risk of side effects. All three Pataday eye drops for allergies are generally well tolerated and effective when used correctly.
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References
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2020). Alcon announces FDA approval of the OTC switch of Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength.
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2026). Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength- olopatadine hydrochloride solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2026). Pataday Once Daily Relief- olopatadine hydrochloride solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2026). Pataday Twice A Day Relief- olopatadine hydrochloride solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
McLaurin, E., et al. (2017). Pooled analysis of two studies evaluating efficacy and safety of olopatadine hydrochloride 0.77% in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Clinical Ophthalmology.
Safe Medication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA approves three drugs for nonprescription use through Rx-to-OTC switch process. PR Newswire.
